Express.co.uk relies on cookies to collect and process data. We may use this data to make assumptions on what
content or advertising may interest you.
By clicking "Continue and Accept All", you agree to allow cookies to be
placed. You can decline these settings .
To get more information about these cookies and the processing of your personal data, check our
Privacy Policy &
Cookie Policy.

Criminal justice system is close to breaking down — EXPRESS COMMENT

Carl Hartley (L) received bail in a move that left the judge who finally sentenced him appalled (Image: NC)

It beggars belief that a serial rapist was released on bail seven times in the course of a three-year reign of terror, despite being matched to two attacks by DNA tests and being caught on high-quality CCTV. What were the police and magistrates thinking?

Even after they finally realised Carl Hartley was a serial rapist, he was allowed out on bail again, a decision that allowed him to commit yet another attack.

In an era in which the police seem obsessed with allegations of decades-old sex offences, the vast majority of which turn out to be baseless, it seems extraordinary that they allowed such a man to go about ruining people’s lives.

But then it’s difficult to feel a great deal of confidence in the police at times, given the appalling failure rate we report on today to solve vehicle thefts, burglary and shoplifting crimes.

Something has gone seriously wrong in our criminal justice system if matters have come to this.

Related articles

No one could blame victims of crimes for having little confidence in the police while they fail to make any arrests or investigations, allowing criminals to run amok.

They seem far more obsessed with “hate crimes”, which generally tends to mean someone saying something childish on Twitter, than with events that can have a catastrophic effect on the victim.

This really cannot go on.

Advertisement

Customers can shop around to get cheaper energy bills (Image: GETTY)

End the energy rip-off

Energy bills are to come down: about time too. At last there is some good news for the consumer.

They have been mercilessly ripped off by the energy companies for decades and it is about time they were finally held to account.

The only cavil is that the cap might not be high enough. There is still a £300 difference between the highest and cheapest deals.

However, at least it’s a start and, tedious as it may seem, we urge all our readers to shop around, find the cheapest provider and pay no attention to the flattery and entreaties of the company that they may have been with for years.

They owe them no loyalty. They certainly haven’t been rewarded with any by the providers over the years.

Hollywood star Burt Reynolds has died aged 82 (Image: ALAMY)

Goodbye to Burt

The film world is a lot poorer for the sad passing of screen legend Burt Reynolds at the age of 82. Despite delighting generations of audiences with films such as Deliverance and Smokey And The Bandit, he was always modest about his talents, commenting: “My movies were the kind they show in prisons and aeroplanes, because nobody can leave.”

Whatever he thought about his films, fans will be sad the credits have finally rolled on Burt’s amazing life and career.